FITCHBURG ART MUSEUM

2016 Annual

Report and

FAMily Album

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THE NEW FITCHBURG ART MUSEUM

We are grateful to you, our enthusiastic and energetic staff, leadership, supporters,

and community partners. With your involvement and support, we are ready to

move FAM into the future!

In 2016, the Board of Trustees engaged in a thorough and professional

strategic planning process that resulted in a new mission and vision for the

Fitchburg Art Museum, and a five-year plan to further improvements and ensure

institutional sustainability. Central to this plan is FAM’s renewed commitment to

community service.

As the leading cultural institution in North Central Massachusetts, we believe

that a great art museum can partner with its neighbors and community organi-

zations to make impactful and lasting contributions to our region’s quality of life,

including education, community development, and creative economy. Over the

next five years, we will work to build on our strong partnerships with the public

schools and Fitchburg State University, create arts-based afterschool programs for

neighborhood kids, and bring affordable live/work space for artists to Fitchburg.

None of this has gone unnoticed. FAM exhibitions are now regularly

reviewed in the Sentinel & Enterprise, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, and Boston

Globe. In May 2016, we were invited to present our new focus on community to

the national convention of the American Alliance of Museums in Washington,

DC. And, FAM was one of fifteen finalists, from a field of over 30,000 American

museums, for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s

highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to their communities.

FAM is going strong! Thank you for your support!

ANNELISA ADDANTE, President, FAM Board of TrusteesNICK CAPASSO, Director

2016 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Annelisa Addante, PresidentSusan Roetzer, Vice PresidentNadine Price, SecretaryJoseph Sylvia, TreasurerKen AnsinLynne Benoit-GrzybCarol CannerAnna ClementiJeff CrowleyScott FosterRobert GalloKathryn Grado +Gale Simonds HurdSusan JacksonRichard LapidusPeter LaytinRoderick LewinAchla MadanNadine MartelMartin McNamaraKaty OstroffAndré RavenelleKaren SpinelliJames Wironen

2016 BOARD OF ADVISORS

Betsey AnsinRicardo BarretoWayne CantyTom FeenChriztine FoltzJustin GelinasKate GilbertSimon GregoryJoyce HinckleySaundra LaneGregg LisciottiJoseph MuellerCoraly RiveraTom SchillingMargaret Little SissonDiana SuskindDavid Thibault-MunozIngrid Wheeler

+ deceased

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The Fitchburg Art Museum is a catalyst for learning, creativity,

and community building. We accomplish this mission with art

historical collections and exhibitions, special exhibitions of

contemporary New England art, education programs, public art

projects, community partnerships, and creative economy initiatives.

All decisions, initiatives, projects, and programs at the Fitchburg Art

Museum reflect our commitment to education and the greater community.

The permanent collection of the Fitchburg Art Museum contains over 4,000

artworks, from Ancient Egypt to the present, with special emphases on

American Art, African Art, and photography. In 2016, 191 artworks were

acquired. FAM also presents changing exhibitions of art created by contem-

porary New England artists. Whenever possible, our exhibitions link the past

with the present. And all our signage appears in both English and Spanish!

OUR MISSION

OUR VISION

OUR ART

We believe that a

great art museum can partner

with its neighbors and community

organizations to make impactful

and lasting contributions to our

region’s quality of life.

FAM provides a robust year-round

menu of classes and workshops for

adults, children, and families in our

three art studios.

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EXHIBITIONS OPENED IN 2015–2016

LAND HO!

TRIIIBE: SAME DIFFERENCE

LAND HO! REMIX

MORE RECENT ACQUISITIONS: PHOTOGRAPHY

81ST REGIONAL EXHIBITION OF ART & CRAFT

LINNETTE VÁZQUEZ-POLANCO: THE REFLECTION OF THE SOUL

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Opposite, top: The Land Ho! exhibition brought together contemporary works by eight New England artists with traditional landscape paintings from FAM’s permanent collection.

Opposite, left: FAM’s collection of African Art, under the supervision of Curator Jean Borgatti, continues to grow. This mask is one of many 2016 gifts from the Hamill Gallery of African Art in Boston.Helmet Mask, 20th century, Mende Carver (sowei)

Wood and glass beads. Gift of Tim and Bobbi Hamill, 2016.74

Above: TRIIIBE: same difference transformed FAM’s galleries with a mid-career retrospective of a Boston artist collective.

Right: This portrait by Boston photographer Al Fisher was included among 40 works in More Recent Acquisitions: Photography organized by Curator Stephen Jareckie. Every artwork in this show came to FAM over the course of the last year alone! Al Fisher, Eelco, from the series Visage Masque, 1994.

Gift of Linda Fisher, 2016.15

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“My students benefit

immeasurably from our

partnership with FAM, creating

real-world museum-quality

projects and building their

professionalism.”

ROBERT CARR

Communications Media Professor

Fitchburg State University

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Opposite, top left: Gray Scale, installed in FAM’s Community Gallery, allowed members of ArtsWorcester to show alongside art historical treasures from our permanent collection.

Opposite, top right: Fitchburg artist Linnette Vázquez-Polanco, within the installation that she created for her exhibition Reflection of the Soul.

Opposite, bottom: 81st Regional Exhibition of Art & Craft featured work in many media by 89 artists who live or work within 30 miles of FAM. This year’s juror was Erin Becker, the Norma Jean Calderwood Director of the Cambridge Art Association.

Above: Photographer Eleanor Briggs was the first-prize winner in 2014’s 79th Annual Regional Exhibition of Art & Craft, and enjoyed a FAM solo exhibition the following summer. Subsequently, FAM acquired four of her photographs of a nearby New Hampshire wetland.Eleanor Briggs, Fall (from the Moose Brook series), 2009. Robert & Elaine Smith

Photography Fund 2015.111

Right: In 2016, we purchased this major and rare double portrait by FAM founder Eleanor Norcross. This acquisition was made in honor of the late Kathryn Grado, a devoted FAM Trustee and patron.Eleanor Norcross, Portrait of Two Women, 1894, oil on canvas, 51 x 42”

Sinon Collection Fund, purchase in honor of FAM Trustee Kathryn Grado 2016.42

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Top: FAM is now the de facto art museum for Fitchburg State

University, where students enjoy free admission, quality

internships, and classes co-taught by FAM staff and FSU faculty.

Left: In 2016, FAM docents participated in training to offer

Hidden Treasures, a program designed for Alzheimer’s patients

and their caregivers. Tours and art activities spark memories,

conversations, and socializing in a culturally rich environment.

Opposite, top: FAM Curator Mary M. Tinti and the inaugural

Koch Curatorial Fellow, Emily Mazzola. The Koch Curatorial

Fellowship was established by Mary Levin Koch in 2015 to provide

professional training and mentoring to emerging curators.

Opposite, bottom: In 2016, 1,800 K–12 students participated

in tours of our exhibitions. Field trips from Fitchburg and

Leominster public schools were fully grant subsidized.8

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OUR COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION

Education is central to the mission of the Fitchburg Art Museum, with programs, tours, galleries, classes, and workshops for children, students, adults, seniors, and people with special needs.

Over the next five years,

we will work to build on our

strong partnerships with the

public schools and Fitchburg

State University, create arts-

based afterschool programs for

neighborhood kids, and bring

affordable live/work space for

artists to Fitchburg.

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OUR COMMUNITY

FAM is dedicated to the revitalization of Fitchburg. In order for FAM to thrive, we must contribute to the health and vitality of our city and region. Our community partners include The City of Fitchburg, NewVue Communities, Fitchburg State University, the United Neighbors of Fitchburg, the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance, the North Central Mass Chamber of Commerce, and the ReImagine North of Main project.

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FAM was one of fifteen

finalists, from a field of over

30,000 American museums,

for the National Medal for

Museum and Library Service,

the nation’s highest honor

given to museums and

libraries for service to their

communities.

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“The Fitchburg Art Museum is a cultural treasure

in Fitchburg and North Central Massachusetts—

I am so proud of this institution! With its

unparalleled commitment to engaging people

with art, FAM is a valued partner in education,

community building, creative

economy initiatives, and

urban revitalization.”

STEPHEN DINATALE,

Mayor, City of Fitchburg

Top left: Young visitors enjoying art activities at Free Fun Friday,

sponsored by the Highland Street Foundation. This day-long free

event attracted almost 500 visitors from all over New England.

Top right: FAM partnered with the Laurelwood Garden Club to fill our

galleries with floral interpretations of artworks for the 15th Annual Art

in Bloom Festival.

Above: FAM worked to promote local tourism as an organizing

partner for Fitchburg’s 12th Annual Blacksmith Art & Music Festival.

Opposite: Scouts are among the many community groups and orga-

nizations to partner with FAM on customized tours, art activities,

exhibitions, and service projects. This Leominster Cub Scout troop

came to learn about Ancient Egypt.

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ANNUAL GIVING JULY 1, 2015–JUNE 30, 2016

$10,000 and above

Ronald M. AnsinGale Simonds HurdMary Levin Koch and William KochTish and Tom Oksanen

$5,000–$9,999

Dr. and Mrs. Roderick LewinBetty and Albert Stone

$1,000–$4,999

Annelisa Addante and Rick BrownJane and Kenneth AnsinCarolyn BirminghamCarol and Carl CannerAnna ClementiToney Hopkins and Jim JonesWilliam B. Hurd, Jr.Robert LoucksAchla Bahl Madan and Ashok HingoranyNadine and Gerry MartelSusan Cunio Salem and James SalemPamela and David StoneJessica Straus

$500–$999

Betsey AnsinRobert V. and Jeanne S. AntonucciHelen and Richard BrockelmanRobert GalloKate Gilbert and Chris Colbert

Susan B. Jackson Martin D. McNamaraKaty and Steven K. OstroffPhyllis T. RitvoCynthia Robinson and Warren LeonSusan and Ron Roetzer Betty and J. L. Sylvia

$250–$499

Nancy AskinThomas F. BagleyAnnette and Thomas BagleyJudith and Ralph BakerLynne Benoit-Grzyb and Philip GrzybEleanor BriggsHolly Elissa BrunoLinda and Joe ByrneCourtney DeGeorge & Sarah HerklotsSally and Porter DickinsonEllen and Ralph DiGeronimoJoanne and Stephen DiNataleAida DombrowskiE. Thomas and Joanne DonnellySarah and Scott FosterJennifer and Kenneth JonesLisa and Richard LapidusPaula Callanan and Peter LaytinAnnette and Norman LeBlancMaureen and William McSheehyNancy Rossi MosesJudith and Stephen MullerNadine T. PriceMr. and Mrs. Vincent PusateriAnne Randolph Edie and André RavenelleBarbara and Allen RomeAshling and Kent RussellMike SheaChristine Psathas and Robert. E. ShabotKaren SpinelliDiane C. StallworthJane and Peter SuriCharlene and David Vient

$100–$249

Robert C. AlarioFaith AnkerBeverly and Randolph AubuchonLisa Barthelson

Sophia and John BogdasarianRoss Beales, Jr.Adrienne ClarkCarol-Panek Clark and James ClarkSusan and Edward CroninDorothy DiconzaGeorge L. DuncanSheila and Jeffrey EydenbergSusannah Fabing and Sandy MuspratLinda FisherJohn GradyNancy and Simon GregoryDiane GuenardLinda KennedyHolly LarnerAnnette and Norman LeBlancCharles and Veronica MartelJoan MoffettMichael MontouriMahroo and Barrett MorganMeredyth H. and John M. MosesJennie and John PaganoSally Wallace RandShelley and Todd RodmanSusan Randazzo Schulman and

Stuart SchulmanIris SullivanEllen Wetmore and Jeffrey WarmouthS.C. and Carolyn C. WinslowMrs. F.H. Woodring Thank you also to the many members and friends who made contributions of up to $99. We are grateful to all of our donors. Your generous support enabled us to achieve all of the great work represented in this report.

Gifts In Honor Of

Nadine “Toddy” MartelPatricia Oksansen

Gifts In Memory Of

Calvin KahnJane P. Neale

The accuracy of this list is important to us. If we have printed your name incorrectly or omitted anyone, please notify our office so that we may correct our records.

Norcross Society

We are grateful to the members

of the Norcross Society, our

leadership recognition society for

individuals who have contributed

$1,000 or more between July 1,

2015-June 30, 2016.

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Institutional Donors and Sponsors

$10,000 and above

Clementi Family Charitable TrustDouglas & Isabelle Crocker FoundationEnterprise BankFitchburg State UniversityMassachusetts Cultural CouncilNational Endowment for the ArtsGeneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart

FoundationGeorge R. Wallace, Jr., Foundation

$5,000–$9,999

Bitty FoundationFederal Community Development Block

Grant, City of FitchburgCommunity Foundation of North

Central MassachusettsWorkers Credit Union

$1,000–$4,999

Artist Resource Trust/Berkshire Taconic Foundation

D’Ambrosio Eye CareHighland Street FoundationOmnova FoundationTD BankTufts Health PlanValley Stream Rehabilitation and Health

Care Center

Up to $1,000

Applewild SchoolFitchburg Cultural Council and the Local Cultural Councils of the following towns: Acton/Boxborough, Ashburnham, Athol, Ayer, Bolton, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Lunenburg, Maynard, Princeton, Stow, Townsend, and Winchendon

Corporate Members

Aaron IndustriesAchla DesignsAdvanced Glass & MirrorRobert C. Alario, CPAAlpha Rho, Inc.Anderson, Bagley & Mayo InsuranceApplewild SchoolAthol Credit UnionAvery Dennison / Fastener DivisionBabineau Insurance Agency, Inc.Baldwinville Nursing HomeBemis Associates, Inc.Bovenzi & DonovanBoys & Girls Club of MABrideau Oil CorporationBull Run RestaurantCisco Systems – CBRECommerce Bank and TrustCommunity Health Connections, Inc.Crystal CleanersCushing AcademyDario’s Brick Oven RistoranteDavis Publications, Inc.Denardo Wire & Cable Co., Inc.DoubleTree by HiltonDRS Power Technology Inc.Eastern BankEnterprise BankFATVFeen’s Country LivingFirst Financial TrustFitchburg Adult Medicine, LLCFitchburg Farmers’ MarketFitchburg Fire DepartmentFitchburg State UniversityFoster Insurance Agency, Inc.Gaamha, Inc.Georgia Pacific /Dixie Cutlery

Greater Gardner Chamber of CommerceGroton SchoolHaynes, Lieneck and Smith Inc.HeadwallHealth AllianceHeat Trace ProductsHeywood HospitalHometown BankIC Federal Credit UnionInternational RectifierJ.D. AssociatesJ.P. ElectricLaurelwood Garden ClubLawrence AcademyLegere Insurance Agency, Inc.Leominster Credit UnionLife Styled HomeLombardo, DeVellis & Smith, LLPLongview Corporate Center/ApexLUK Crisis CenterMarmon Utility LLC/HendrixMassachusetts PTAMiles Kedex Co., Inc.Mill No. 3 FarmstandMonson Companies, Inc.Mount Wachusett Community CollegeNashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce

Left: FAM works with United Neighbors of

Fitchburg to create programs for our Latino

residents, including this Spanish-language

museum tour for elders.

Right: Children and families enjoy behind-the-

scenes enrichment and hands-on art and writing

activities throughout the museum, in FAM’s

African and Contemporary Learning Lounges,

and in our Discover Ancient Egypt gallery.

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In October, 2015, a gala dinner celebrated

Nadine “Toddy” Martel, who has served on

FAM’s Board of Trustees for over 50 years!

Toddy was twice President of the Board,

has led our Collection Committee since the

early 1960s, and oversaw the construction

of FAM’s Harlan K. and Elsie D. Simonds

Building in the 1980s.

NewVue CommunitiesNorth Central Massachusetts Chamber

of CommerceNortheast Poly Bag / Laddawn, Inc.OMNOVA Solutions FoundationOPCO Laboratory, Inc.Our Father’s HousePhoenix Park Lexvest GroupPiper Electrical Co., Inc.Pusateri & Wilson PCReagan & Co., Inc.Resource Management, Inc.Rivercourt ResidencesRocheleau Tool & Die Co., Inc.Rogers PrintingRollstone Bank & TrustSentinel & EnterpriseSimonds InternationalSimplex GrinnellSterilite CorporationStratton PlayersTD BankThe Arc of OpportunityThe Gardner News, Inc.TPE Solutions, Inc.TRW Fasteners DivisionUnitil/Fitchburg Gas & Electric Light Co.

Vinyl Technologies, Inc.Vision PayrollW. E. Aubuchon Co., Inc.Wachusett MountainWalker Orthodontics, P.C.Winchendon SchoolWoodcome Insurance Agency, Inc.Workers Credit Union

2016 Staff

Steve Backholm, Building SupervisorMel Bailey, JanitorJean Borgatti, Consulting Curator for African, Oceanic and Native

American Art Nick Capasso, DirectorLinda Clicquennoi, Visitor Services

and SecurityGillian Collie, Visitor Services and SecurityNancy Copeland, Volunteer/Office

AssistantLisa Crossman, 2016–17 Koch

Curatorial FellowAminadab “Charlie” Cruz, Jr., ReceptionistNicholas Day, Visitor Services and SecuritySheryl Demers, Business ManagerAnn Descoteaux, Director of DocentsEugene Finney,* Director of Marketing

and Community RelationsLaura Howick, Director of EducationStephen Jareckie, Consulting Curator

for Photography

Jane Keough, Director of Corporate Membership

Jim Landry,* Visitor Services & Security Manager

Pamela Lehane, Visitor Services and Security

Emily Mazzola,* 2015–16 Koch Curatorial Fellow

Jessie Olson, Development AssociateSamuel Rizzo, Visitor Services

and SecuritySelena Shabot,* Development AssistantMeryl Skolnick, Visitor Services

& Security ManagerKledia Spiro, Marketing ManagerMary M. Tinti, CuratorFrancine Weiss,* Collection ManagerIngrid Wheeler, ReceptionistRebecca Wright, Director

of Development

* Former Staff

Docents

Marie AlfredsonAminadab “Charlie” Cruz Jr.Sharon DaviJean DuPontJane Epstein Patricia (Trish) GeraghtyCarol HicksLynn JonesJessica LegerNancy MaldariJane McFaddenLinda NormanDana A. Owens

Kids from Camp Sonrise enjoy a tour of the

81st Regional Show of Art & Craft at the

Fitchburg Art Museum

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• Contributed Revenue • Program Revenue

• Endowment Revenue

Total Revenue: $1,206,968

Operating Revenue and Expenses

as of 6.30.2016

• Programs • General & Administrative

• Fundraising & Marketing

Total Expense: $1,148,086

Carol Panek-ClarkMeryl SkolnickCindy Tonrey Maurice J. ToolinJeannine ValleeIngrid Wheeler Interns

Karen Atakora, Education Intern, Upward Bound program at Fitchburg State University

Domanique Dudley, Boys and Girls Club volunteer

John Bergman McCool, Collections Management Intern, Tufts University Museum Studies Program and School of the Museum of Fine Arts

Maureen Green-Stevens, Education Intern

Katie King, Education Intern, Upward Bound program at Fitchburg State University

Laura Jenny, Boys and Girls Club volunteer

Sarah Meyer, Education Intern, Tufts University Museum Studies Program

Megan Occil, Education Intern, New Hampshire Art Institute

Juan Orta, Marketing Intern, Fitchburg State University

Nickolas Procopi, Education Intern, Tufts University Museum Studies Program and School of the Museum of Fine Arts

Kledia Spiro, Education Intern, Tufts University Museum Studies Program and School of the Museum of Fine Arts

Melissa Theang, Marketing Intern, Fitchburg State University

Hilary Zelson, Curatorial Intern, Tufts University Museum Studies Program and School of the Museum of Fine Arts

FAM’s 2016 Annual Report is made pos-sible by a generous gift from Trustee Gale Simonds Hurd.

On the cover: Douglas Kornfeld’s sculpture

Thurston, 2015–2016, has quickly become a

beloved symbol of FAM’s commitment to

education and community service. Thurston

was fabricated by students at the Montachusett

Regional Vocational Technical School, and was

named in an essay contest by Alyssa St. Cyr, a

student at Fitchburg’s McKay Arts Academy.

On the back cover: During the summer of 2015,

with funding from the National Endowment

for the Arts, FAM partnered with the Sentinel &

Enterprise to present artist Anna Schuleit Haber’s

Alphabet. For 26 days, the front page of our daily

newspaper combined innovative letters designed

by artists world-wide with stories, written by

local students and community members, about

our region’s unique history, accomplishments,

places, and personalities. This award-winning

celebration of community was groundbreaking

in the fields of both public art and journalism,

and brought positive international attention to

Fitchburg as a city where creativity thrives.

Below: Exterior of FAM

Photography by Eugene Finney, Haylie Hier,

Adam Jarret, Nickolas Procopi, Kledia Spiro,

and Charles Sternaimolo

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185 Elm Street Fitchburg, MA 01420

978.345.4207 fitchburgartmuseum.org

wed-fri 12 - 4 pm; sat-sun 11 am - 5 pm

FAM is for

everyone!

¡FAM es

para todos!

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